With the rain well on its way, a significant number of Filipinos are already falling prey to a host of maladies.
“As we happily welcome the rain, it will also be bringing a host of health problems. Aside from helping carrier mosquitoes to breed, the sudden variation in temperature and humidity that the rainy season stirs up play havoc with our body, often bringing down immunity and the ability to resist various infections,” explained Dr. Josefina Cadorna-Carlos, professor at the University of the East-Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center College of Medicine.
One example is the rising cases of dengue fever that is spread by carrier mosquitoes that breed on stagnant water collected in old tires, pots and other similar containers after each rain. While the Department of Health already posted 28,600 cases of dengue, including 86 deaths, from Jan. 1 to May 30, expect this number to further rise in the coming weeks and months (last year there were a total of 113,485 dengue cases recorded, including 425 deaths).
Seasonal flu is another health problem expected to increase significantly. But unlike dengue, it is spread through tiny droplets expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Infection will occur if the other person breathes in these droplets suspended in the air, or by touching items and surfaces with the flu virus and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes.
Transmission
Droplet transmission may occur in crowded enclosed spaces, wherein the victim breathes in the suspended droplets that a sick person coughed or sneezed while not covering his or her nose and mouth.
Flu virus-laden droplets may remain infectious for several hours to even days, depending on where they fall. For example, influenza A virus will generally remain active longer on stainless steel, plastic and similarly smooth and rigid surfaces (tabletops, doorknobs, keyboards, etc.) as compared to porous surfaces.
“Seasonal flu is an extremely contagious viral disease. Being cooped up indoors, where a sick person may be lurking, only increases the risk. So it’s no surprise that the rainy season, when many people spend lots of time staying indoors—with family, friends, coworkers, classmates or fellow shoppers—marks the unofficial start of flu season,” she explained.
Best way
Carlos, who is also a pediatric infectious disease specialist, believes that getting the annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to reduce the chances of getting the seasonal flu and spreading it to others.
She said: “Flu is a serious disease that can lead to costly hospitalization and sometimes even death. When more people get vaccinated against the seasonal flu, less of it can spread through the community.”
Carlos said: “This year’s flu vaccine, particularly the quadrivalent one, offers a broader protection, since it is designed to protect against four different flu viruses—two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses.”
She reminded that the seasonal flu is more than just a bad cold. It can not only make one very weak and bedridden for days, it can also lead to serious complications that may lead to death.
Carlos said: “High-risk children and adults may develop complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma attacks, sinus infections and ear infections. Pneumonia is the most serious as well as deadly among these complications for elderly individuals and people with chronic illness (like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes).”
Since flu activity here in the country most commonly peaks in June and continues to occur as late as November, Carlos said children as young as 6 months, elderly individuals and those in between these age groups, should have themselves vaccinated.
Regular washing of hands is the next best way to avoid spreading infection. “Don’t rub your nose or put your hands in your mouth without washing your hands first,” the doctor reminded.
She also emphasized that our body’s immune system is more powerful than we probably imagine and does a remarkable job of defending us against disease-causing microorganisms. Carlos suggested: “Keep it in tip-top shape by choosing a balanced diet of lean cuts of meat, as well as other protein sources like beans, soy and seafood; getting a healthy serving of fruits and veggies each day; cooking with olive or canola oil; limiting your alcoholic drinks; taking at least a 10-minute walk a few times a day; getting some sunshine (to get vitamin D); and perhaps most importantly, reducing your stress levels through yoga, hiking, playing with your dog, deep breathing or just listening to your favorite music.”
When already sick
If you are already exhibiting symptoms, following these hygiene “etiquettes” should reduce or slow the spread of infections:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Put your used tissue in a waste basket.
- If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
- Never forget to wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.
- Wash with soap and running water or, if not possible, keep the hands clean with hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Avoid getting close to colleagues, friends, or family members. Tell them you’re sick and that you don’t want them to catch the virus.